Ashford Town slipped to a five-wicket defeat against Lordswood in Shepherd Neame Kent League Division 1 at Stacians Park on Saturday.

Opener Matt Lincoln (52) top scored for Ashford and James Watson fell one short of his half-century as Ashford started solidly but they then lost wickets regularly in the chase for quick runs near the end of the innings and finished on 194-7. Shannon Fattore contributed a useful 35.

Lordswood’s openers then took the game to the Ashford bowlers in their reply and were soon well above the required run rate.

Skipper Craig Buckham rotated his bowlers in a bid to slow down the Lordswood pair, using five bowlers in the opening 12 overs.

But half-centuries from Lyndon Lockhart and Peter Stock, who finished 52 not out, kept Lordswood in control and they eventually reached their target with 3.2 overs to spare.

Ashford’s "spin twins" Buckham and Matt Lincoln picked up two wickets apiece.

More Kent League cricket in this week's Kentish Express